Top Reasons to Go

Zoning out at the beach: Guatemala’s sights assault your senses. A break at the beach town of Monterrico might be the relaxing antidote the doctor ordered.

Pondering the mystery of the sea turtles: The odds seem against Guatemala’s three turtle species surviving at all, but carry on they do along this coast.

Reeling in the big one: Or brag about the one that got away. Guatemala’s sportfishing industry centers on Puerto San José.

Careening down the rapids: The Pacific lowlands are home to four white-water rivers ideal for beginner or intermediate rafters.

Building up your repertoire of Mayan ruins: You’ve done the big ruins. Two lesser-known sites, both with considerable Mexican influence, let you delve further into Mayan history.